Toyota Gives The New FJ Cruiser A Retro Makeover You Can’t Buy

After years of rumors, Toyota has finally brought back the FJ Cruiser. It’s only been a few months since we first saw the chunky off-roader, and it’s already spawned four custom versions. As cool as they look, they’re not intended for sale but rather “designed to inspire the custom car market.” In other words, the Japanese auto giant wants the aftermarket scene to replicate these packages.

“The Legendary” would be our pick of the litter, as it harkens back to past generations such as the J70. Toyota still sells the 42-year-old SUV in some parts of the world, and now the baby FJ Cruiser honors the venerable off-roader with chrome steel wheels and body accents.

The retro take on the 2026 FJ Cruiser also features vintage lettering on the front fenders, along with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Mud flaps with a prominent Toyota wordmark at all four corners further strengthen the connection between the stubby off-roader and the full-fat Land Cruiser.

“The Street Cruiser” takes a radically different approach, as it’s meant for the urban jungle. Toyota lowered the ride height and fitted black wheels that wouldn’t look out of place on one of the cars sold by its Gazoo Racing performance division. Red Brembo-branded brake calipers peek through the spokes at both axles.

Bisected by a roof antenna, the two-piece roof spoiler isn’t something we expected to see on an FJ Cruiser. The rear has undergone additional changes, with the spare wheel removed to make way for a bike rack. If you’re wondering about the bike, it’s an electric fat bike from Rydekart that goes 37 miles (60 kilometers) on a single charge and tops out at 28 mph (45 km/h).

Toyota couldn’t miss the opportunity to double down on the FJ Cruiser’s go-anywhere credentials. “The Meridian” is all about venturing off the beaten path, even featuring a snorkel to tackle deeper waters. There’s also a roof rack for off-road gear and a gas can, not to mention meaty Toyo Open Country R/T tires.

“The Nature Explorer” rounds out the group as a camper-style conversion, featuring a rooftop tent and a side-mounted awning. It also has additional auxiliary lights, a custom fuel cap, and a two-tone finish with body decals. This one appears to have undergone the fewest changes, but it’s nevertheless an interesting take on the baby Land Cruiser.

Motor1’s Take: The FJ Cruiser was already a desirable vehicle, and now Toyota has made it even more appealing. However, the smallest member of the Land Cruiser family will have limited market availability. It’ll be sold in its home market of Japan, as well as in Thailand and a few other emerging markets across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

It would be great to have a more compact and affordable Land Cruiser, but Toyota has made it clear it won’t sell the diminutive FJ Cruiser in North America or Europe.